82 SPOLIA ZEYLANICA. 
It is of interest to note that Leidy (1877) found “a Spirillum ”’ 
present in the gut of Termes flavipes (North America); and Grassi 
and Sandias (1893) also record “‘Spirilla”” in the European termites 
which they investigated (Calotermes flavicollis and Termes lucifugus). 
It seems to me highly probable that reinvestigation of these organ- 
isms would show them to be really spirochets.* 
When alive, S. termitis is a long, slender, and very active organism. 
It moves rapidly backwards and forwards with the wriggling, 
flexible motion characteristic of the spirochets. A well-marked 
bending and rolling up of the body may frequently be seen. 
The organisms which I observed (fig. 20) varied considerably in 
size, both as regards length and breadth. The longest individuals 
measured rather over 60 yu, but the breadth was never more than 
1 yu, and often less. 
The ends are pointed, and do not appear to bear free flagellar 
processes, such as are said to occur in some spirochets (e.g., S. 
buccalis). Neither in the living organism nor in stained prepara-_ 
tions have I seen an undulating membrane. 
In films stained by Giemsa’s method the organisms stained a 
uniform pink, or occasionally showed an indistinct granular structure. 
Owing to their slenderness it is exceedingly difficult to make out 
their internal structure. 
_ I found no forms which could be regarded with certainty as 
showing stages in division, though some of the longest organisms— 
in stained preparations—occasionally exhibited a break towards 
the middle of the body (fig. 20, longest individual), which suggested 
that transverse division takes place. 
Concluding Remarks. 
I wish, in conclusion, to summarize some of the more interesting 
points which the observations recorded in the foregoing pages have 
brought to light. 
In the first place, I would emphasize the fact that my investiga- 
tions are not, and do not pretend to be, in any way exhaustive. 
I have merely examined such animals as chance allotted to me. 
Also in no case did I examine more than a small number of indivi- 
duals of any one species. Many animals, moreovér, were examined 
with entirely negative results, and I am fully sensible of the fact 
that no definite deductions can be drawn from these few negative 
instances. The record of these cases has been given solely for the 
use of subsequent workers along similar lines. Nevertheless, apart 

* Since writing the above, I have been able to consult the full account of 
these organisms by Leidy (1881). His description and figures leave no doubt 
in my mind that his organisms were really spirochets. Curiously enough, 
he has named the organisms Vibrio termitis. If mine _are the same as the 
North American forms, the correct name is therefore Spirocheta termitis, 
Leidy emend. Dobell (non Sp. termitis, Dobell). 
